Du Toit keen to take on Louw

Editor

Sharks prop Thomas du Toit is eager to continue his ‘friendly’ rivalry with Western Province’s Wilco Louw in Saturday’s Currie Cup Final.

The scrum battle is highly anticipated for the final in Durban Louw has been excellent for the Stormers and Western Province, resulting in a deserved Springbok call-up and a first Test cap against the All Blacks in Cape Town.

Du Toit has also been in fine form, even providing competition to Springbok veteran Beast Mtawarira in Super Rugby, and playing for South Africa A against the French Barbarians in June.

“I know Wilco quite well, going back to when I was at school in the Cape, and we actually came up against each other in athletics circles,” Du Toit told SARugbyMag.

“But I’ve also scrummed a few times against Wilco, and it’s nice to have a friend to scrum against.

“We’ve become quite close after our time with the SA U20s, and now at the Bok camp. There’s always a cauliflower brotherhood in the front row, so we stick together, and the one thing I will have to get him back for is the snoring in the room.”

Du Toit also admitted he is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his career so far.

“You have to give credit where it’s due,” he said.

“Western Province has a very good pack and I think Wilco is the anchor there. He must be one of the best scrummagers in South Africa at the moment, and I’m happy for him, but obviously, everything will be put aside when we take to the field.

“Playing against Province is always a special occasion, it doesn’t matter in what sort of game, but this being a final ensures it will be a cracker. When we play Province, it’s not necessarily a grudge match, but it’s definitely personal.

“This will be the most important game of my life, and I think that’s the mentality we will all go in with. There’s nothing more important than your next game, and that’s the way I’m going to prepare for it.”